1 – Our Purpose

To provide access to a teaching and learning environment that prepares our students to thrive in a global society.

2 – Our Philosophy and Shared Values

Philosophy:

The philosophy of Georgia Highlands College is expressed in the beliefs that education is essential to the intellectual, physical, economic, social, emotional, cultural, and environmental well-being of individuals and society and that education should be geographically and physically accessible and affordable.

In support of this philosophy, the College maintains a teaching/learning environment which promotes inclusiveness and provides educational opportunities, programs and services of excellence in response to documented needs.

Shared Values:

• Access—We provide access to high quality, affordable educational opportunities within the diverse communities we serve. Through intellectual, cultural, physical, and social developmental opportunities, we facilitate the growth and wellness of our students, employees, and our communities.
• Caring—We demonstrate personal and professional caring for all students and employees. Through our shared values, we seek to ensure that students and employees know that we are invested in their well-being, growth, and success.
• Inclusivity—We recognize the contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and talents and works toward inclusivity by creating a culture where diverse perspectives are authentically acknowledged and where those perspectives influence decision-making.
• Engagement—We foster engagement for and between students, employees, alumni, and our communities. We encourage positive, meaningful interactions and relationships between individuals, groups, and organizations which lead to intellectual, cultural, physical, and social development.
• Excellence—We champion excellence for and by each student, employee, and our communities. Through intellectual, cultural, physical, and social development, we strive to perform and achieve at the highest levels possible in all that we do by operating with the highest standards of academic achievement, personal ethics, and organizational stewardship.

3 – Our Mission Statement and Mission Goals

Mission Statement:

The mission of Georgia Highlands College, a state college of the University System of Georgia, is to provide access to excellent educational opportunities for the intellectual, cultural and physical development of a diverse population through pre-baccalaureate associate degree transfer programs, career associate degree programs, and targeted baccalaureate degree programs that meet the economic development needs of the region.

Mission Goals:

To achieve this mission of being a gateway to success for students, Georgia Highlands College has articulated the following goals:

1. Create a culture of teaching and learning focused on excellence in academic, personal, and professional growth.
2. Provide comprehensive services that encourage and empower students, employees, and communities to be successful.
3. Engage students through evidence-based practices that develop them into successful learners and leaders.
4. Utilize appropriate technologies and practices to advance programs, services, and operations to support teaching and learning.
5. Optimize resources to support efficient and effective operations at all levels of the college.
6. Engage community partners to create, improve, and maintain relationships to promote success for GHC students, employees, and communities.

4 – Our Vision Statement

To be the premier public, multi-campus institution of choice throughout our region, while serving as the state leader in transfer and retention within our sector.